India Celebrates National Milk Day With Clean Fuel Rallies & Global Cooperative Recognition
India celebrates the birthday of the 'milkman of India' Dr. Verghese Kurien, marking "National Milk Day" on November 26, with Amul hosting "Clean Fuel Rallies" across Himmatnagar, Kolkata, Pune, and Jammu. The rallies, powered by Maruti Suzuki and Bajaj Auto, emphasized "Circular Economy and Bio CNG", highlighting clean energy and better livelihood opportunities for farmers. The journey covered more than 5,000 kilometers and ended at Delhi on the day of National Milk Day, as observed by the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. It saw the involvement of 77 Amul riders interacting with the state cooperatives, institutions, and farmers, which highlighted the themes of sustainability and legacy associated with the dairy cooperatives.
The rally's last stretch from Dhaula Kuan to Manekshaw Enclave was led by Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary (DAHD), in the presence of other distinguished officials, including Shri Shamalbhai B Patel, Chairman of GCMMF (Amul). Minister of State Prof. S.P. Baghel felicitated the riders and made a tribute to the role of Dr Kurien in India's **White Revolution** while paying homage to the contributions that Shri Tribhuvandas Patel has made to the founding of Amul. Chief Guest Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh Lallu said that cooperatives will ensure proper price to the farmers and reduce middlemen in the dairy sector. India hosted the first Global Conference of International Cooperative Alliance in 130 years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated it by launching the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 besides recognizing India as one of the world's largest cooperatives. In commemoration of the celebrations, the award-winning film Manthan, based on India's dairy cooperative movement, was screened for delegates at the Bharat Mandapam. The occasion threw into relief the international reach and timeless legacy of India's dairy cooperative.
